Decent debut

By Chris
September 1 2014

Angel Di Maria made his Manchester United debut, but a promising display from the Argentinean couldn't inspire the Red Devils to their first win of the season, with Burnley claiming a deserved goalless draw.

Louis van Gaal's wait for his first Red Devils win goes on after his fourth match in the hot seat ended in a stalemate.

The Clarets arguably had the best chance of the game, with former Reds midfielder David Jones rattling David de Gea's crossbar with a free-kick.

United will point to two soft penalty appeals - a challenge on Ashley Young and a handball shout - but in truth this was familiar stuff for the travelling Red Army, as they watched their flagging side again lack creative spark.

Di Maria, whose transfer fee eclipses Burnley's total transfer spend in their 132-year history, showed glimpses of class in a 70-minute debut; but United are yet to adapt to van Gaal's favoured 3-5-2 formation.

It is defence where United look the most unsure. Despite the clean sheet, a three-man unit of Phil Jones, Tyler Blackett and Jonny Evans lacked composure, as Burnley looked to expose United's frailties.

With the closure of the transfer window and an international break to follow, a new-look MUFC side could take to the field as Queens Park Rangers visit Old Trafford on September 14th. Big improvements are clearly needed from van Gaal's men.

Full Time - Burnley 0-0 Manchester United (Attendance: 21,099)